The Ondo State Government has announced plans to revive the state’s abandoned modern farm settlements, a legacy initiative of former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, through a new partnership with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the NALDA delegation led by the agency’s state coordinator, Chief Olusola Ayandokun, at the Governor’s Office in Akure on Monday.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the revival of the previously functional farm settlements aligns with his administration’s commitment to expanding mechanized agriculture and tackling food insecurity.
He noted that the challenge of land clearing, a major barrier to farming for many, particularly the youth, will be jointly addressed by the state and NALDA.
“These farm settlements were well-thought-out initiatives by past administrations, particularly under Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, but over the years many have become dormant,” the Governor said. “Through this collaboration with NALDA, we have the opportunity to breathe new life into them, upgrade their infrastructure, and return them to productivity.”
He praised NALDA’s integrated farm estate model and highlighted Ondo State’s readiness to adopt and expand it using existing facilities in settlements such as Ile-Oluji, which have already been earmarked for pilot projects.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also pointed to the potential for boosting animal husbandry, especially in goat and rabbit farming—areas in which the state has comparative natural advantages.
NALDA State Coordinator Chief Ayandokun, in his remarks, expressed confidence in the success of the initiative, adding that the federal agency is fully committed to supporting Ondo’s agricultural revival agenda. He confirmed that land has already been allocated for pilot projects and training modules are ready to roll out for participating farmers.
He reaffirmed that the broader goals of NALDA include land preparation, youth and women empowerment, animal husbandry, and support for the full agricultural value chain.
The meeting was attended by key members of the state government including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agric and Agric-Business, Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola.
With this renewed effort, Ondo State is set to reposition agriculture as a cornerstone of economic development while reclaiming and modernizing the farm settlements that once played a central role in rural empowerment.
